A Summer Wrap Up {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

Every year as school goes back, I feel sadness creeping in. Did we do enough? Did we make enough memories? Will my kids look back at the images I took of them and still smell the salty air at the beach? Will they remember late nights roasting marshmallows around a fire? Will they remember how the cool summer breeze felt as the sun dipped below the horizon? Will they remember the first time they conquered the diving board. Will this be a summer to remember?

The whole “18 summers” thing seems to be drilled into us. We are faced with such an enormous pressure to make every summer memorable and momentous. I’ve thought about this a lot lately and the unnecessary expectations we place on ourselves as parents. Should summers be laid back and fun and a time to make memories? Of course. But there are 9 others months each year that we can make memories with our kids too. Think back to your own favorite childhood memories. Were they all from the summer? Can you even remember what season they happened? And does it really matter? We really don’t have just “18 summers” with our kids. We have 18 years. And although we know those 18 years will pass by way quicker than we wish, it is still plenty of time to enjoy making memories.

So while I am still a little sad for summer to be over, it’s now time to move onto fall and start creating fall memories. There is still so much to look forward to. Enjoy those 18 years parents.

And because this wouldn’t be a post without pictures, here are some of the memories we made this summer.

A Beautiful Sunset Session {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

It is always such an honor to be asked to come back to photograph a family time and time again. This was my fifth session with this gorgeous family. It’s been so fun to see their family grow over the years. They own a great piece of land in a beautiful spot outside of Seattle and this was our second time shooting there. We also did their newborn session there, but that was indoors of course. Go check out that sweet session here.

This session was one of the smoothest we’ve had. The kids were all in great spirits and everyone seemed to be having a good time just being with one another. We were able to shoot quickly and still get a great variety of images.

If you’re ready to schedule your own family session, let’s connect.

Introducing Baby Dez {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

The summer has been so busy and one of the sweetest sessions I’ve done has been this one with baby Dez. This session was scheduled after baby had already made his appearance and we were able to fit it in last minute. While it’s always a good idea to schedule your newborn session while you are still pregnant, please don’t hesitate to reach out once your baby is here. I would hate for you to miss out on newborn photos, so I will always try to squeeze you in!

This family welcomed their first baby a few weeks ago. He was about two weeks old for his newborn session and was as sweet as can be. I loved including their first fur baby in the images too. He seemed to handle adjusting to the new baby so well and it was so sweet to capture it. One of the best parts of my job is getting to know the families. One of the first things I noticed when I entered their home was a dish towel from New Zealand. Being from New Zealand, this caught my attention. They had honeymooned there a couple of years earlier and it was so nice being able to talk with them about my beautiful homeland.

I loved this session so much and I hope you do too. It was an honor to capture you as you transition to parenthood with that sweet little boy.

If you are wanting to book your own newborn session, please make sure you check out my portfolio to make sure I’m the right photographer for you, then get in touch so we can get you on the calendar. I’m currently booking newborns, both in home lifestyle sessions and Fresh 48 sessions through March 2020.

Introducing Baby Session Packages {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

That first year in your baby’s life goes by so fast. Your baby is going to change so much and you’re never going to want to forget how they were when they were little. Because of this, I have decided to start offering a baby milestone package. This package includes:

• an in home lifestyle newborn session including the whole family

• a 6 month mini session featuring just the baby

• an in home or outdoor family session around baby’s first birthday.

You will receive a minimum of forty digital images for both the newborn and one year session, as well as a minimum of 20 images for the mini 6 month session. The price for these three sessions is $1300. I do have payment plans available.

I have a beautiful collection of classic, timeless baby clothes that you are welcome to use for your images. Let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in.

If you are looking to have your baby’s first year documented, please reach out.

At Home With a Family of Five {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

I met this strong mama though a workout program and I felt so honored when she asked me to photograph their latest little addition, Willow. Willow is adored by her big brother and big sister. It’s always so fun to see everyone step into their new roles once the new baby arrives. Little Willow has the most perfect dark brown hair, the opposite of her two big siblings. Despite her looking different, she fits in so well with her family. That third little baby is always such a blessing. They grow up just managing to fit in and they often seem to have such a laid back easy personality. Welcome to the world little Willow. You are so loved.

Welcoming Violet & Carter {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

I can’t imagine what it’s like to go from two to four children overnight, but this family makes it look easy. This was the first twin newborn session I have photographed and it was such an honor to be invited into their space and document their morning as they adjust to being a family of six. It’s amazing to see how different their little personalities are at only a few days old. Their two big sisters are so in love with them and it was so sweet to hear them cooing "Oh baby boy, baby boy. Oh baby girl, baby girl”.

I’m now booking newborns though December so if you’re thinking about a session, get in touch so I can get you on the calendar.

At Home with a Family of Three {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

Sometimes I get an inquiry and I just know that we will mesh well as family and photographer. These were one of those families. I loved shooting in their home. It was bright and airy with plenty of space for little Talula to dance her heart out. I try to keep sessions as relaxed as possible as I know how stressful it can be particularly for the mama. This session was basically just a big dance party :) Little Talula loved to dance and she wore the perfect dress for the occasion.

One thing I really love about this session was how much love you could see between them all. The snuggly shots of them on the couch are my favorite. I also adore the way she would look directly into my camera, with so much soul in her eyes. I rarely ask anyone to look at my camera, but she would just do it willingly. She is truly delightful.

When is the best time for a family lifestyle session? {Everett family photographer}

Shooting in people’s homes, rather than outdoors gives us so many more opportunities to work around your family’s schedule when it comes to your shoot. Here are some frequently asked questions when it comes to timing of photo sessions.

How far in advance should you schedule?

Although I am occasionally available for last minute shoots, aiming for 4-6 weeks before you want your photo shoot is always the best option.

What is the best time of year for at home lifestyle sessions?

With lifestyle sessions in your home, there is no bad season. The cooler months are great because you don’t need to bundle up to be outside, but the summer is equally great because we can still have your shoot at a decent hour, without having to keep the kids up late for a golden hour shoot.

What time of day should the session take place?

In home sessions can take place at much more reasonable times than outdoor sessions. I typically like to start morning sessions at 10am, or afternoon sessions at 2pm, but I can be flexible to accommodate your schedule.

Raising Boys - Part Two {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

The night before Oscar’s surgery, you sat there with that sad, scared look on your face.You were worried that the surgery would change him and your baby brother wouldn’t be the same anymore. You cried and cried, and we reassured you that everything would be okay. I hope you didn’t notice that I was scared too.

Deep down, I knew you were going to be just fine, but handing you over to the surgeon was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done.

You wanted this baby brother for so long and your fascination with him has never faded.

Sometimes you wake up happy. Most times you don’t. You don’t like to be on your own, so the second you realize you are, you cry out for mama to come get you. It normally only takes you a few seconds of seeing me before you’re back to your normally happy self.

I’m looking forward to having your brothers home for the summer. I really do enjoy the long lazy days of summer. No getting up early, no making lunches, nor rushing out the door so that we’re not late for school. As much as I’m looking forward to having everyone home, I think I’ll miss out mornings when it’s just the two of us.

In Search of Newborn Twins {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

I’m currently searching for a family who have just welcomed, or are about to welcome newborn twins for a complimentary in home lifestyle photography session.

About You:

You are first time parents of newborn twins and you live in a character filled home with lots of natural light. You appreciate art and take pride in your home. You want family pictures that embrace this fleeting time in your life.

What’s in it for you?

You will receive a complimentary in home lifestyle newborn session and approximately thirty digital images for you to print however you wish.

What do I need from you?

I need about an hour to an hour and a half of your time. In exchange for the complimentary photo session, I will need you to sign a model release that will allow me to use these images on social media, on my website and in print and online advertising.

If you feel like your family would be a good fit, please fill in my contact form and I will get back to you. Tell me a little about your family in your message.